Items

• John McDonogh to Walter Lowrie

  John writes, "It affords me much pleasure to learn that Washington advances now in his studies with more ease to himself, than he did in the commencement." John thanks Lowrie for all his goodness to David and Washington. John recalls his letter to Lowrie on October 28, 1839, when he informed him that "I had some fears on the subject of determining the father of the young lad of Color (my God Son, in favor, of whom, I requested your good offices, with Doctor Junkin) to send his Son to the Lafayette College; knowing as I did, the prejudices of the French people, in favor of France, and her Institutions." John informs Lowrie that he has consented to send his son there (Thomas McDonogh Dunford is the son of a free black man). John expects Thomas to leave in the middle of March, "in one of the Pocket Ships for your Port, and I will take the liberty of recommending him to your care." ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David & Washington to Walter Lowrie

  David expresses concerns about his fellow servants "who are still under bondage in a strange land from their forefathers." He wishes to know if the other servants will continue in servitude until he gets through with school, "or will they be sent off at the time appointed before?" David talks about the trunk of books about the Classics that Lowrie sent to them. "I am now reading Caesar in Latin and Graeca Minora in Greek." ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David McDonogh to Walter Lowrie

  David's health is not very good, but he has received medicine from Dr. Green. Washington is doing well. He is making real progress in his studies. David apologizes for the odd style of his letter. Since he is unwell, he had to get another person to write it for him, and that person did not take much pains with it. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• John McDonogh to Walter Lowrie

  John remarks that Lowrie had written in his previous letter to John that "'...if [John] would take on [himself] the whole expense of David's education, it would much relieve your Society, and enable it to extend its missionary operations.' So let it be from this day, I will take it on myself...though in so doing, it will deprive me of the means of doing in other ways...for my fellowman." John continues by saying, "Let him then receive Sir the best education that can be given him, and...when he has finished his course at College, he can spend the necessary time at the Theological Seminary at Princeton where he can learn Hebrew and the Arabic, with Professor Addison Alexander." With regards to Washington, John agrees with Lowrie that he should pursue an English and Theological education. "From childhood, I saw...much piety in him...It is not the most shining and talented men, that are always, the most useful; In Washington's future efficiency and usefulness, I have strong hopes." John thanks Lowrie and his sons and nephew for their kindnesses bestowed on David and Washington. He encloses $25, "being my mite toward building up a Mission House in your city." ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David & Washington to Walter Lowrie

  David writes that he and Washington have not received a letter from John since last March, but does receive papers from him nearly every month. David feels that since he does receive those papers, John has not forgotten about them. David expresses that Dr. Junkin allows him to attend his Bible class every Sunday. He has two Bible lessons a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays. On some days, he reads ten chapters in the Bible. David is studying the same topics he studied last session with the addition of Geometry and French. Washington is doing very well with his studies and "I think that he is better with Mr. Lowrie than he would be if he was in the Model because Mr. L takes great deal of pains with us; more so indeed than our former teacher." David mentions that "the watch you sent me keeps very poor time, and has a habit of stopping and when she does go she goes a great deal too fast." ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• John McDonogh to Walter Lowrie

  John writes to Walter Lowrie asking for his opinion on matters concerning David's and Washington's future. He wants David and Washington to be able to pursue their talents and prepare them for the Ministry before they go to Africa. If Washington should not have the skills or abilities to learn Latin or Green, then John advises that instead, he should study English and Education. However, if he does show talent, then John will pay for his education in order for him to continue studying Latin and Greek. John wants both David and john to study Arabic. He finds it important for them to know the language as it may help them in preparing for the Ministry. John offers to pay for a professor who teaches Arabic and asks Lowrie if he knows of any. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David & Washington to Walter Lowrie

  David and Washington write to Walter Lowrie thanking him for buying them watches for school. David is concerned because he and Washington are about to lose their teacher because he is going to take possession of the model school. David does not "think that there is anyone about the institution, that will take as much pains in teaching us as he did." David mentions that he can get along with very little teaching, "but Washington is now only half through with his Arithmetic and English Grammar and can't write any scarcely." The departing teacher said that he would take Washington into the model school if Dr. Junkin had no objection. He told David to ask, but David told him that "I didn't like to ask him for fear he might think that I was taking some liberty with him, but I would write to you about it." ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• John McDonogh to Walter Lowrie

  David explained in a previous letter to John that Dr. Junkin has a strict rule: the classes are scheduled by the hour and the students are given three minutes between classes. If you are late you may not attend. Therefore, David requests a watch in order not to lose the recitation on one of the principal branches of his studies. John suspects David is simply in want of a watch on a gold chain. He says he was going to give David and Washington watches just before they leave for Africa. John tells Lowrie to get David and Washington old, simple watches of silver with "good works." He forwards $30.00 in bank bills for Lowrie to purchase the watches ($12-$15 each). He tells Lowrie that if greed and pride are at the center of this request then he should simply purchase an old-fashioned $4 or $5 silver watch and use the remainder of the money to purchase books. John says that David is a youth filled with much pride, which is "a dangerous qualification." He is fearful of it and thinks it is something that must be "kept down." He hopes his fears about David are unreasonable and unfounded, and he will pray that he is wrong about David's character. In the P.S. portion of his letter, John writes that he is convinced that David's letter is written by some other person's hand, not David's nor Washington's. He states that if this is indeed the case, the person ought to be discovered and prevented to have any communication or relationship with the boys. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• John McDonogh to Walter Lowrie

  John says how wonderful it is that these "two youths" are benefiting from the arrangement made by Lowrie with Dr. Junkin taking on the "paternal" caring role. John says that Lowrie's description of the boys' affection for their master "moved me to tears," but he "expected nothing less for he reared them with tenderness and affection, from infancy..." John says that David's desire to learn Greek, Latin, and painting should be "encouraged." All dispositions these two boys might show should be explored and any extra costs "that may be incurred in doing so, [I] will defray." John thanks Lowrie for consoling the boys in their "uneasiness" in not having heard from him for a length of time. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David & Washington to Walter Lowrie

  David and Washington received a letter on March 21st from John McDonogh. His letter made them extremely happy, for they thought he had forgotten them. "But since reading this letter we are satisfied that he never can forget us and so that relieved our minds from that fantastical doubt." David and Washington were examined by the Rev Dr. Junkin and Professor Dunn on the evening of March 29th. Both men approved of David and Washington's progress. Dr. Junkin told David that he should commence to study Latin and Algebra. David intends to put that off until the beginning of next session, and to complete his knowledge of English Grammar and Arithmetic. He also intends to review his Grammar and Arithmetic during vacation, "that is, if Mr. Elliott will be so good as to teach me." ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• Washington McDonogh to Daniel Wells

  "It is very sickly here at present there was a funeral every day last week some times two a day and all of them belong to one church." ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David McDonogh to Walter Lowrie

  David thanks Lowrie for the letter and the enclosed fifty dollars. "I took it to the Easton Bank to Col. McKeen (treasurer of the board of trustees), but he was absent; So I got the money from Mr. James Wilson. We paid Mr. Lerch, what was due to him..." David and Washington used the remaining money and bought a pair of shoes, a Sunday hat, and a pair of pantaloons. David is still expecting a visit from Mr. Lowrie.
• Washington McDonogh to Walter Lowrie

  Washington apologizes for not having written sooner. He and David are well in health and in their studies. They are both looking forward to Lowrie's visit. Reverend Mr. Pinney has been lecturing on the colonization affairs and "he holds out good prospects and encouragement for to go to Africa." ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David McDonogh to Walter Lowrie

  David thanks Lowrie for the package (hand delivered by Reverend John Gray) that contained cloth for his coat, a flute, and one missionary chronicle. Board is somewhat cheaper now. "It is now $1.87 and a half cents per week, whereas it was $2.00 before." Price for washing is thirty seven and a half cents per dozen. David and Washington have a woman who washes and mends their clothes for nearly the same price which they charge at the institution for just washing. Walter Lowrie is not happy about prices of board and washing. David has the same teacher as last summer, Mr. James Snodgrass. "But Sir I do not think that it adds much to the progress of my studies to be driven about from pillar to post." Mr. Snodgrass will leave him in August. David reminds Mr. Lowrie, "Do not forget the Septuagint you promised me when you were here." Mr. David Beaver (a student who is about to graduate) died last Wednesday, June 9th, and was buried the 11th in the Presbyterian church yard. He complained for nearly a month but not one thought he was ill until three days before he died. He was a member of the Franklin L. Society. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David McDonogh to Daniel Wells

  "Dr. Junkin departed this morning...[He] was followed by a great multitude of people of all ranks and sizes, and of all sexes. And when he got into the boat, and he, and his family and those that were to accompany him, were rightly fixed in the boat, he arose, and addressed them (for at the Banks of the Lehigh were crowded) and standing in the boat, he delivered his farewell address to the multitude on the shores...[it] was a most affecting and interesting one, as also were his two farewell sermons." "We came to Easton strangers, and are left strangers. We are not only left by Dr. Junkin and his family, but all the students whom we found here when we came are all gone from this college..." Lafayette does not yet have a new president, but Professor McCartney told David and Washington that they will still be treated well. "...I am now really homesick. But as I have only three years and half longer to study in this college, I think if I am shown fair play that I can get a long very well...there is prejudice in the college, and prejudice in the town, nay there is even prejudice in the churches...as my father and Mr. Lowrie often remarked to us that we would have to put up with many unpleasant thing for the sake of an education..." David asks for a "cheap copy of Shakespeare" and also to send some of the colonization papers so that he may see how they are "proceeding with the colony in western Africa." ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David & Washington to Walter Lowrie

  Washington has been unwell for the last two weeks due to a fall, but he is quite well again. David was taken with violent pains through his body that lasted all night, but he feels better today. David and Washington are reading the History of England, along with their other studies (Geography, Arithmetic, and Grammar). David is having a hard time with English and Grammar, "but I am resolve to make perseverance my motto." Since the arrival of Mr. John and Robert Lowrie, David and Washington consider themselves "quite at home." Both men wish Mr. Lowrie a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David & Washington to John McDonogh

  David and Washington have been introduced to Walter Lowrie's sons, Mr. Robert and Mr. John Lowrie. "We are very glad indeed that they are come to live with us." David confesses that he is "afraid that I will never learn to write a good hand." He observes that he can't write as well at Lafayette as he could when he was home. He says, "it can't be because I don't try." David and Washington acknowledge receipt of a Johnson & Walker's dictionary from Mr. Lowrie. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David McDonogh to Walter Lowrie

  David apologizes for not writing every month like he had promised to do. He explains that it is very busy, there is no time, and there is nothing to write. On Saturday, August 11th, David hit his foot badly against a stone. It is nearly well. "We are improving in our studies...compound multipications...Geography...but we do not improve very fast with our Grammars and Writing." David asks for a dictionary because he and Washington only have one small dictionary that doesn't contain half the words which their studies require. David wishes to know when Wells hears from John McDonogh. He has written him twice but has not received an answer. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David McDonogh to Daniel Wells

  David informs Daniel Wells that he and Washington begin classes on the 24th of May. They will be studying arithmetic, geography, and catechism. David and Washington are still boarding with AO Hoff, but have also been given the option to board at the college. David and Washington wish to know if Wells has any objection to them attending Sunday School. They currently go to Church twice every Sabbath day. David asks to know if Wells has heard from John McDonogh, and if he bought the book and umbrella that David requested. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• Walter Lowrie to Daniel Wells

  In the presence of Daniel Wells and Peter Dougherty, Walter Lowrie does "hereby emancipate and set free from the bonds of slavery, David McDonogh and Washington McDonogh, two colored youth late belonging to John McDonogh Esq of New Orleans, and heretofore remaining with him in a state of slavery; but who have now been sent to my care by their late master, at his expense, for the purpose of receiving such an education as may fit them for usefulness in the missionary service in Africa." John McDonogh's letter of permission (sent May 2nd, 1838) is preserved among the papers of the Board of Foreign Missions of the Presbyterian Church. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• John McDonogh to Walter Lowrie

  John gives authority to Lowrie to Emancipate the slaves according to New York laws when he "sees fit and proper." He is sending them by the Ship Orleans, captained by Cpt. Sears. David is about twenty years of age and Washington is eighteen. John appoints Lowrie as guardian of David and Washington: "And until such time as you may see fit to Emancipate, and Free them from the Bonds of Slavery, and that they attain the age of majority, I appoint you the Guardian of said two, Black Youths, David and Washington." ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• John McDonogh to Walter Lowrie

  This letter is presented to Walter Lowrie by David and Washington upon their arrival in New York. David and Washington agreed to be called by the name, 'McDonogh'. John sees this act "is one of fair promise." John describes David as "a boy of bright parts- and of a high, proud, brave, and aspiring disposition (tempered at the same time with much piety), can be kept down, tempered, and made to walk humbly in the footsteps of his Lord and master, will become great among his people. He is capable of acquiring every science-- in short, he may become a Madison, and will be I trust, a Saint Paul among his people." John states that "Washington, not so bright and imaginative, has greater solidity of character: is of mild disposition, meek, humble, full of piety, can be molded to any form, and may be called the Monroe of his people-- though he does not seize a subject with the same rapidity of David, once he grasps it however, it remains his forever." Of the two, John writes they are "deserving of the kindness, which you, and your Society, are keeping upon them." He also notes that David and Washington speak French fluently. Enclosed is a note of the Bank of the United States, for the sum of one hundred dollars. This amount is intended to meet the expenses of clothing for the next twelve months. Also enclosed is a letter from John, appointing Lowrie as the "Guardianship of said youths, and empowering you to Emancipate and Free them, at such time as you may think proper." ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• John McDonogh to Walter Lowrie

  "Among my Black family, I have two youths, of great promise, of the age of nineteen years, who are remarkable at that early period of life, for their intelligence, knowledge, and solidity of judgement, their pious, and tractable dispositions, whom I offer to your society, to be given a Religious Education, preparatory to their becoming missionaries of the Gospel in the Land of their forefathers." John McDonogh agrees to pay the expenses of their passage and clothing, as well as the sum of $100.00 a year. McDonogh acknowledges that laws do not permit owners to emancipate slaves before they have turned 30 years old, and even then, only in particular cases. He asks Lowrie whether there will be any difficulty sending David and Washington into Pennsylvania as slaves. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David to Walter Lowrie

  David is surprised that Walter Lowrie and John McDonogh have decided that he "shall go a full college course; at which I was very much surprised, because I never solicited any such think, and consequently never expected it." "But Sir, it is entirely against my disposition to think or to say anything contrary to what you and our father think proper to confer upon me: because I was not sent here to do my own will, but to do the will of you and him, who sent me here." "And be you assured Sir, that I will endeavor (with good behavior) to do all that is in power (if it so pleasures the Almighty God to give me health and strength) to make myself deserving of all the benefits; which you and our father are daily bestowing upon me." David informs Lowrie that his health is still on the decline, but not so much as it was before. He asks for permission to travel during vacation so he might get well and be better prepared for studying the next session. If David can find anyone to teach him during vacation, he would rather remain in college. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• McDonogh Tree